Kenya Reports First Case of Bundibugyo Virus, Patient Dies After Travel

Kenya has reported its first case of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), with the patient dying after traveling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through Uganda to Nairobi. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the case, stating that the Kenyan government is taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus.

The patient, a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC, fell ill and sought treatment at several health facilities before traveling by road to Kampala, Uganda, on October 2, 2026. The individual then flew to Nairobi, arriving on October 3, and was taken to a hospital where they were isolated. Tests confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus.

Despite receiving supportive care, the patient passed away on the night of October 5 and was buried the following day according to Kenya’s Ebola burial protocol. The government informed the WHO about the case on October 6, following international health regulations.

Kenya is the fourth country to confirm a case of BVD. The DRC is currently dealing with an outbreak, and Uganda recently ended its own outbreak in August 2026. The WHO has identified 28 contacts of the patient, including family members and healthcare workers, and is tracing additional passengers from the flight.

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Kenya’s health emergency preparedness, which allowed for a swift response to the case. He emphasized the importance of quickly identifying any further cases to prevent the virus from spreading.

Since May 2026, Kenya has been on high alert due to outbreaks in neighboring countries. As of October 6, the country had screened over 652,000 travelers, tested numerous samples, and trained thousands of health workers on Ebola prevention. The WHO has supported these efforts by providing training and resources.

Bundibugyo virus disease is a serious illness that can be fatal and is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the disease, although research is ongoing.